Nystrom Atlas Page 23 Henry Hudson was an Englishmen who was exploring for the Netherlands. Dutch merchants financed his voyage. In 1609 Hudson discovered a deep river, that he thought may be the Northwest Passage across the continent. The Dutch saw the French trappers becoming wealthy, and they wanted some of this prosperity.

Henry Hudson explored the length of the Hudson River for the Dutch West India Company. The first Dutch colonists settled near present day Albany, New York in On his last voyage, Hudson wanted to continue north, but his crew wanted no part of the ice choked rivers. They put Hudson and his son in a small craft and mutinied. No one saw Hudson again.

Dutch colonists established trading posts along the Hudson River. The largest was on Manhattan Island, at the river’s mouth.

Peter Minuit, the first governor of the colony of New Netherland. Like the French, the Dutch merchants wanted a friendly relationship with the Native Americans.

The Lenape Indians believed that no people could own land. They did want the Dutch allies, with their powerful weapons, to help them fight against the Hurons of the North. Minuit offered the island’s Indians iron pots, beads and blankets for their partnership and the land.

“Old Silvernails” Peter Stuyvesant, the first governor of New Amsterdam, stomped around giving orders. If someone disagreed with him he threatened to have them shipped back to the Netherlands, but he made needed reforms and gave refuge to the Jews from Europe.

Peter Stuyvesant He appointed fire wardens and ordered chimney inspections, instituted a weekly market and annual cattle fair, required bakers to use standard weights, somewhat controlled traffic and sanitation, repaired the fort, and licensed taverns. Stuyvesant concerned himself about all aspects of town life. He organized a night watch, had streets paved, encouraged local bakeries and breweries, and promoted the colony's commerce whenever possible.

A birthday present… King Charles II of England wanted the Dutch out of New York. He refused to acknowledge Dutch claims to North America.

James, Duke of York If James (the King’s brother) could conquer them, Charles II gave him ownership of all the Dutch lands in America.

Because the Dutch gunpowder was damp and useless, James took over the Dutch colonies without firing a shot. He named the colony “New York”.